Haaland sorry after Norway thumped by Austria

Erling Haaland has apologised for Norway’s 5-1 defeat to Austria in the Nations League on Sunday, branding the performance as “far too bad.”

Haaland served as Norway’s captain in the absence of Martin Ødegaard, who suffered an ankle injury during last month’s international break.

Ståle Solbakken’s side looked to continue their unbeaten start in the Nations League but Austria’s Marko Arnautovic netted twice, with Philipp Lienhart, Stefan Posch and Michael Gregoritsch also finding the back of the net to compound Haaland and Norway’s misery in Linz, Austria.

Alexander Sørloth 39th-minute strike proved to be little more than a consolation for the Scandinavian side and Haaland took to Instagram to apologise.

“Sorry everyone, this was far too bad on my part,” he said.

“In November, we go for six points.”

The Manchester City striker was also criticised after he declined to answer any questions from Norwegian press after the game.

However, the stand-in captain was supported by his teammate Sander Berge following their heaviest defeat since 2017.

“He has every right to do that,” the Fulham midfielder said.

“You can feel the disappointment now. We are a team in there, we stand in ups and downs regardless. The most important thing is that we are united.”